The first time I heard about Alberta separatism was in 2019, during a “Current Events” presentation in school. I never explored it further, but the movement has picked up recently. Here’s a condensed version of what’s going on.
What’s Happening Right Now
An Alberta separatist group collected over 300,000 signatures on a petition to include the topic of Alberta separatism in the referendum on October 19th. They still need to be certified, but there’s a key stakeholder concerned. Many groups of Indigenous peoples are worried that a separatist movement would damage their constitutional treaty rights, which has become a court case that could derail the petition. The ruling is undetermined at this time.
What Separatism Would Mean for Youth
While different separatist groups have different ideas of where Alberta would go if it did indeed separate, options are primarily:
- becoming a sovereign country – which is what’s being considered now
- joining the United States
Primary Reasons for Separatism
- uneven wealth distribution – some Albertans think that being a part of Canada’s economy has significantly stunted Alberta’s economic prosperity, referencing the effects of the oil crises and the NEP (National Energy Program)
- In 2015, Alberta paid 27 billion more to the federal government than it received back in services
- feeling underrepresented and neglected by political powers in Ottawa
- feeling as though their culture is tied to their province over their country
- potential trade opportunities with the United States
Primary Opposition for Separatism
- fear of economic instability
- loss of treaty rights for Indigenous groups
- fear of international relation instability, particularly with the United States
My Two Pennies as an Albertan Youth
The last time a vote was held to see Albertan interest in separatism, 48% were in favour and 52% opposed. That’s a really close margin!
This potential for separation could have an upheaving effect on Alberta’s economy, and has the potential to create a whole different culture and national identity. This is an important issue, and I encourage you to research it further. Stay informed, and if you’re old enough to vote should the referendum occur, do so! Participate and have your voice heard because the outcome of this potential referendum question could have a drastic impact.